Novelis boosts US recycling capacity

Novelis has announced another major investment in its US aluminium recycling facilities with plans for a new low-carbon recycling and rolling plant in Bay Minette, Alabama.

The US$ 2.5 billion (EUR 2.4 billion) facility will have an initial capacity of 600 000 tonnes of finished aluminum goods per year, more than half of which will be used to serve the growing demand for aluminum beverage can sheet in North America.

It will be the first fully integrated aluminum mill built in the US in 40 years. It will aim to be net carbon neutral for Scope 1 and 2, be powered primarily by renewable energy, use recycled water and be a zero-waste facility. It will also rely on railroad transportation, which can reduce logistics-related carbon emissions by up to 70% compared to road transport.

The plant will make significant use of advanced automation and digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, augmented reality and robotics. Site work is under way now and the company expects to begin commissioning in mid-2025. 

‘This investment marks the start of another transformational growth phase for Novelis,’ said Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of the Aditya Birla Group and the Novelis board.

‘We continue to invest in each of the markets Novelis serves – from beverage can to automotive, aerospace and specialties – and in all geographies. Novelis has a track record of success in delivering customers the low-carbon, sustainable aluminum solutions they seek, and we will continue that storied history with this investment and others to come.’

Steve Fisher, Novelis president and ceo, adds ‘We are well-positioned to efficiently expand capacity at this facility in the future – above the 600 000 tonnes announced today – to capture ongoing strong demand. Our readiness to invest to serve growing markets is a perfect example of how we are delivering on our company purpose of shaping a sustainable world together.’  

Novelis will soon be able to recycle 90 billion cans globally, up from the 74 billion it currently recycles. Earlier this month, the company broke ground at the Guthrie, Kentucky site of a US$ 365 million recycling centre to serve the north American automotive industry.